Erv Huether Field

Baseball returned to the South Dakota State University campus in the spring of 2008 with the opening of the new Erv Huether Field.

Located in the northeast corner of the South Dakota State University athletic complex, Erv Huether Field opened on April 21, 2008, when the Jackrabbits defeated Presentation (S.D.), 22-3.

In five seasons at Erv Huether Field, SDSU has recorded a 51-24 overall record, including a 36-23 mark in Summit League play.

Sitework began on the new field in the spring of 2006. Walls were constructed in the fall of 2007, with batting cages installed and dugouts completed in the spring of 2008.

Construction of permanent seating to accommodate approximately 600 fans and a new press box was completed prior to the 2012 home season. The project was made possible through a gift from former Jackrabbit baseball player Dave Lane, with additional support from other Jackrabbit baseball alumni and friends of the program.

Landscaping and other work on amenities for the facility are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2012.

SDSU’s previous on-campus facility, which also bore the name of Erv Huether Field starting in 1974, was the home of Jackrabbit baseball from 1958 through 2001.

As part of the campus master plan, the field was razed following the 2001 season. Home games were played from 2002-07 at Bob Shelden Field, a municipal facility that also hosts Brookings High School and American Legion games.

Erv Huether served as head coach of the Jackrabbit baseball program from 1950-83. In 34 seasons, he amassed an overall record of 352-376-2 and led the Jackrabbits to six North Central Conference titles and a berth in the 1973 NCAA Division II postseason.

Twice Huether was named district coach of the year, in 1966 and 1969, and in 1975 he earned South Dakota College Coach of the Year honors. He coached four All-Americans and three other players who were drafted.

Huether, who passed away on Feb. 1, 2012, at the age of 93, also spent 22 years as an assistant football coach at South Dakota State.

The highest honor bestowed upon Huether came following his retirement in 1984, when he was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Louisville, Ky.